http://www.sssandiego.org/

i received an email from this group recently & was curious if anyone else has or heard of them or their site? if so, what were your thoughts?

like i was wondering if it was spirits who emailed me, esp since im not a believer of this sort of mumbo jumbo...

i don't like spiritism, i mean i dont think it is evil, but mediums and seances don't make any sense to me religously or philosophically, so i don't believe in what they do at all

spam

yeah, i blocked them immediately... who needs this type crap flooding their inbox

not only that, but i dont even live in san diego!!! wtf??? im from hawaii

i found the girl of my dreams thanks to jeevansathi.com

i found the girl of my dreams thanks to jeevansathi.com

lol, thats an indian matrimonial website:lol:

Houdini vs. the Spiritualists

http://www.ronaldbrucemeyer.com/rantpix/houdini.jpg

The death of Houdini's mother focused his attention on the thriving business
of spirit mediumship, or the contacting of the dead. Whether Houdini was
genuinely outraged at the victimization of the bereaved, or whether he
simply saw an opportunity to capitalize on public interest, Houdini spent
the last 13 years of his life in a highly publicized battle with the
spiritualists. Using his knowledge of illusion, Houdini was able to
duplicate the ghostly apparitions, noises and mysterious levitations
produced by the working mediums and their "spirits". His "exposures" became
so popular with his audiences that they took up more than a third of his
regular program. Coached by the famous psychic Anna Eva Fay, Houdini
cleverly became, in his way, the most famous "spiritualist" of all.
In 1926, he testified at Hearings on Fortune Telling held in the House
of Representatives before the Subcommittee on Judiciary of the District
of Columbia. Houdini's book, A Magician Among the Spirits, was published
two years earlier. In this work he exposed many of the prominent mediums
of his time.

I'm a resisted spiritist member but have not attended any of there shit.

that is definitely strange that you would get an e-mail from them, but yes, SPAM is a good word for it.

i went to this site and it's a little bizarre, but it has some interesting stuff and i am one of those that does believe in spirits, mediums and such. not to the point of being obsessive or would consider indulging myself, but thought-provoking shit indeed.

i think its all just people grasping at straws. We hate what we dont understand so we create fathomable explanations to ease our battered egos. We think we are so intelligent that every happening without explanation is within our graps to unfold.

i think its all just people grasping at straws. We hate what we dont understand so we create fathomable explanations to ease our battered egos. We think we are so intelligent that every happening without explanation is within our graps to unfold.

you and i should discuss this religion and belief psycho-mumbo-jumbo sometime...

you and i should discuss this religion and belief psycho-mumbo-jumbo sometime...

anytime, its kind of my field

I'd be interested to hear your overall worldview Cam. Perhaps you will reveal this to me.

I'd be interested to hear your overall worldview Cam. Perhaps you will reveal this to me.

I usually kind of avoid the whole issue because it is so involved and time consuming to discuss but as it is clear you are a smart guy/girl/gimmick it would likley be a good conversation. I say that with no sarcasm, i'm sure we would both enjoy the conversation. Let me make an attempt to sum up my ideas as plainly as i can. I doubt i will find the time to follow very soon though.

My final paper in Sociology Of Religion which was what i did my BA in was called Religion as a Crutch. I basically argued that religion in its essence is mankinds way of accomplishing two things. One to ease the suffering of those left behind in the face of death and tradgedy. Two, to help us come to peace with the fact that some of our questions are beyond our capablity of understanding.

The first point is essentialy this. Man can more easily come to terms with the death of loved ones and tradgey in general if he can some how believe that in essence the tradegy or death is only a step twords something greater. That son or daughter has passed on into the next life at god/Allah's side.

Two basically stated that mankind does not like to have unanswerd questions. We feel we should be able to understand all things. The creation of the world and the many happinstances of day to day life that are beyond our comprehension are all too easily solved with the "wisdom" of God and his will.

The world is harsh and we endure awfull things in our time here. Our intellect is strong but so are our emotions. Many of us would prefer to dilute the pain of reality with idealist nonsense of higher powers and all knowing beings. Its bullshit. What is truley amazing is that people have managed to maintain this facade in the face of all the science and understanding we now posses. Hard evidence is not available and faith as proof of existence is nothing but circular reasoning.

^^^^I have always thought something similar to this. People turn to religion when they don't have anybody else to turn to, or when things are so bad that they couldn't get any worse and say "God will pull me through." Even if nobody else cares about you "God" will always be with you if you have the faith (or so they think). They are so blind in their faith sometimes that even obvious holes in the logic and basis of their own religion don't deter them.

Fucking religious types.

My final paper in Sociology Of Religion which was what i did my BA in was called Religion as a Crutch. I basically argued that religion in its essence is mankind’s way of accomplishing two things. One to ease the suffering of those left behind in the face of death and tradgedy. Two, to help us come to peace with the fact that some of our questions are beyond our capablity of understanding.

The first point is essentialy this. Man can more easily come to terms with the death of loved ones and tradgey in general if he can some how believe that in essence the tradegy or death is only a step twords something greater. That son or daughter has passed on into the next life at god/Allah's side.

Two basically stated that mankind does not like to have unanswerd questions. We feel we should be able to understand all things. The creation of the world and the many happinstances of day to day life that are beyond our comprehension are all too easily solved with the "wisdom" of God and his will.

The world is harsh and we endure awfull things in our time here. Our intellect is strong but so are our emotions. Many of us would prefer to dilute the pain of reality with idealist nonsense of higher powers and all knowing beings. Its bullshit. What is truley amazing is that people have managed to maintain this facade in the face of all the science and understanding we now posses. Hard evidence is not available and faith as proof of existence is nothing but circular reasoning.

Well good! I hope your teach didn’t grade you on grammatical errors… because you might be in a bit of trouble there.
Jesus came to tear down religion and establish Himself as the church. So yes, Jesus did many things that the Pharisees saw as being against their beliefs. So according to the history and the records, religion is something that is established as a way of seeking power over others and suppressing many whilst elevating the leaders above other people. This is opposite of what Christianity teaches. However you can see this currently in effect in such religions as Mormon, Islam, Hinduism, and all the other variety of world religions. So in essence… you may be correct in this assumption, but what does that have to do with Christ? Nothing, other than He, Himself came down to tear down these very beliefs. The Bible answers many of these supposed unanswered questions for us in complete detail. So many of the things you state as not understood or unanswered, are actually answered very well. I hope that helps you out a bit.

^^^^I have always thought something similar to this. People turn to religion when they don't have anybody else to turn to, or when things are so bad that they couldn't get any worse and say "God will pull me through." Even if nobody else cares about you "God" will always be with you if you have the faith (or so they think). They are so blind in their faith sometimes that even obvious holes in the logic and basis of their own religion don't deter them.

Fucking religious types.

Wow, sounds like something that someone that cares about you quite alot had told you in the past many times. I don't suspect they would approve of you taking their words and twisting them up like this.

Wow, sounds like something that someone that cares about you quite alot had told you in the past many times. I don't suspect they would approve of you taking their words and twisting them up like this.

Actually it is just what I gathered from goofy religious types. It is pretty easy to tell that most of them are very weak minded and don't like to think for themselves.

and in what way do you consider yourself a free thinker? Because I have n't seen anything original you have stated as of yet.

My final paper in Sociology Of Religion which was what i did my BA in was called Religion as a Crutch. I basically argued that religion in its essence is mankind’s way of accomplishing two things. One to ease the suffering of those left behind in the face of death and tradgedy. Two, to help us come to peace with the fact that some of our questions are beyond our capablity of understanding.

The first point is essentialy this. Man can more easily come to terms with the death of loved ones and tradgey in general if he can some how believe that in essence the tradegy or death is only a step twords something greater. That son or daughter has passed on into the next life at god/Allah's side.

Two basically stated that mankind does not like to have unanswerd questions. We feel we should be able to understand all things. The creation of the world and the many happinstances of day to day life that are beyond our comprehension are all too easily solved with the "wisdom" of God and his will.

The world is harsh and we endure awfull things in our time here. Our intellect is strong but so are our emotions. Many of us would prefer to dilute the pain of reality with idealist nonsense of higher powers and all knowing beings. Its bullshit. What is truley amazing is that people have managed to maintain this facade in the face of all the science and understanding we now posses. Hard evidence is not available and faith as proof of existence is nothing but circular reasoning.

Well good! I hope your teach didn’t grade you on grammatical errors… because you might be in a bit of trouble there.
Jesus came to tear down religion and establish Himself as the church. So yes, Jesus did many things that the Pharisees saw as being against their beliefs. So according to the history and the records, religion is something that is established as a way of seeking power over others and suppressing many whilst elevating the leaders above other people. This is opposite of what Christianity teaches. However you can see this currently in effect in such religions as Mormon, Islam, Hinduism, and all the other variety of world religions. So in essence… you may be correct in this assumption, but what does that have to do with Christ? Nothing, other than He, Himself came down to tear down these very beliefs. The Bible answers many of these supposed unanswered questions for us in complete detail. So many of the things you state as not understood or unanswered, are actually answered very well. I hope that helps you out a bit.


1. Are you intrested in a discussion, if so dont bother spell checking my thoughts any more? If i am unable to make my thoughts clear to you due to gramtical errors then i could understand your critique but as it is clear you understood me your efforts to spell check my work are petty. I do not re-read or check my gramar as this a forum. Should i wish to write you a legal letter of some nature i'll be sure to be more carefull.

2. Every point you make is directly tied to the bible i see, which we can not agree upon as a valid source of information. Can you or can you not make an argument to my points without quoting a source i do not see as valid.

3. Show me and example of where the bible provides concrete evidence to any of the obvious unanswered questions faced by mankind. Note the "concrete" portion of the sentance before this one.

I merely made the points about the spelling because you made a point of stating it was for a grade when you wrote religion as a crutch. Sorry if I offended you Cam, you can see that was still able to understand what you were writing of course. Unlike you can do with the Bible.

So what concrete evidence do you require? I shall provide it, but make sure you give very concise details as to what you want and I will do my best to stay within those parameters.

Thanks in advance

I merely made the points about the spelling because you made a point of stating it was for a grade when you wrote religion as a crutch. Sorry if I offended you Cam, you can see that was still able to understand what you were writing of course. Unlike you can do with the Bible.

So what concrete evidence do you require? I shall provide it, but make sure you give very concise details as to what you want and I will do my best to stay within those parameters.

Thanks in advance

i'll think of something and pm it to ya

ummm for shits and giggles you should re-read your post,lol, no more grammar and spell checking from you mister

and dont worry, no matter what you say or do i will not get offended

Jesus came to tear down religion and establish Himself as the church.

Jesus believed that the Old Testament was divinely inspired, the veritable Word of God. He said, "The Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). He referred to Scripture as "the commandment of God" (Matthew 15:3) and as the "Word of God" (Matthew 15:6). He also indicated that it was indestructible: "Until Heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the law, until all is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18). Notice that he mentions even the words and letters!

Taken from http://www.greatcom.org/resources/reasons_skeptics/ch_06/default.htm (A Christian site) because I didn't feel like looking up the above verses myself

What is truley amazing is that people have managed to maintain this facade in the face of all the science and understanding we now posses. Hard evidence is not available and faith as proof of existence is nothing but circular reasoning.

I think you're right when you use the word facade. Most religious people are of the same religious that their parents and friends are in. They stay in it, not because they believe it, but because of fear of social isolation.

If christians really believed the bible, they'd adhere to all the crazy laws in the old testament. Or if they're more canny they'd try to pretend that the old testament laws no longer apply (see xcept68 above).

But that still leaves all the commandments in the new testament. And so they invent apologetics who presumable apologize for not following all the new commandments, as if that somehow makes everything okay.

I think you're right when you use the word facade. Most religious people are of the same religious that their parents and friends are in. They stay in it, not because they believe it, but because of fear of social isolation.

If christians really believed the bible, they'd adhere to all the crazy laws in the old testament. Or if they're more canny they'd try to pretend that the old testament laws no longer apply (see xcept68 above).

But that still leaves all the commandments in the new testament. And so they invent apologetics who presumable apologize for not following all the new commandments, as if that somehow makes everything okay.

Yes most RELIGIOUS people are of the same religion and even the same denomination or church as their parents. In the Muslim belief along with many other world religions, the parents would disown you, so would your spouses if you changed. Christianity isn't like this. If for some reason someone drifts from Christianity to Bahai or Islam or Krishna or the like, their parents or family members who are of strong faith will continue to pray for them and love them, as well as offer support to them as best they can. I know this from experience as my uncle drifted in this sense and his father continually prayed for him. A cult is something that elevates it's members above other people in society and even above other cult members. Christianity doesn't have this connotation at all. No Christian considers themselves a better, more valuable, or more important person, if they understand what Christ teaches. So... You are partially right in your assumption/observation, but it is cut short when placed against true Christianity and Christ.

My parents do not attend church, and never did while I was a child, I became much of a drifter religiously for quite a while, so I can say that I came about Christianity based upon the work that Jesus has done in my life. This is the best evidence I can tell you. The bible says "Taste and you will see" If you have never tasted, then you can really never know. Wouldn't you agree? You can never say you are a cage fighter or thhe like until you step into the ring and feel what it's like to have an opponent really come after you.

You can never say you are a cage fighter or thhe like until you step into the ring and feel what it's like to have an opponent really come after you.

I like how you you imply that being a Christian has the same prestiege as being a cage fighter. You're a crafty one alright.

actually no, I didn't imply that at all. I was stating that until you step into the ring, no matter how many sparring sessions you have, it isn't the same. Until you accept Christ into your life, you just won't understand what it is about.

I hope that these words are written so you can comprehend what I'm stating to you.

actually no, I didn't imply that at all. I was stating that until you step into the ring, no matter how many sparring sessions you have, it isn't the same. Until you accept Christ into your life, you just won't understand what it is about.

I hope that these words are written so you can comprehend what I'm stating to you.

you can say the same about jumping into the ocean or drinking poison, doesnt necessarily mean that it is a good thing....

so here's another comparison. A young child sees the space heater and is told not to touch it that it's too hot, and so the child takes this on faith based upon what others tell him. Then one day he reaches out and touches it and immediately his finger is burned, now he KNOWS it's hot.

Unless you come to know Christ for yourself you can never say anything because you haven't experienced it. You are merely told of experiences, good or bad. That's where your views are lacking.

Unless you come to know Christ for yourself you can never say anything because you haven't experienced it. You are merely told of experiences, good or bad. That's where your views are lacking.

How exactly do you know Christ for yourself? I was a Christian for many years and I never knew Christ. Would you please give instructions to those less fortunate than yourself.

not to judge you, but having not known Christ pretty much disqualifies you from being a Christian. Attending church doesn't make you a christian any more than having a satanist ritual makes you part of satan. You must accept Him as your savior into your life then heed His word.

It rains on the just and the unjust. Grace is there for everyone, just as you have grace so do I. You have grace in the hope that you will come to know Christ before the silver cord is shattered. I have grace for when I fall down that I can get back up again. No one is perfect and all are in need of Christ, the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

How exactly do you know Christ for yourself? I was a Christian for many years and I never knew Christ. Would you please give instructions to those less fortunate than yourself.

No one is less fortunate when it comes to knowing Christ. No man is better than another.

If you came to know Christ today and I knew Christ my entire life, doesn't make you any better than anyone else or I any better than you.

Pray this prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, You have called me to Yourself in the name of Your dear Son Jesus. I realize that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life; and is the only Mediator between You and man.

I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner. I believe that Your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross, died for my sins, and rose again on the third day. I am truly sorry for the deeds which I have committed against
You, and therefore, I am willing to repent (turn away from my sins). Have mercy on me, a sinner. Cleanse me, and forgive me of my sins as I forgive anyone who has ever sinned against me.

I truly desire to serve You, Lord Jesus. Starting from now, I pray that You would help me to hear Your still small voice.
Lord, I desire to be led by Your Holy Spirit so I can faithfully follow You and obey all
of Your commandments. I ask You for the strength to love You more than anything else so I won't fall back into my old ways.
I also ask You to bring genuine believers into my life who will encourage me to live for You and help me stay accountable.

Jesus, I am truly grateful for Your grace which has led me to repentance and has saved me from my sins. By the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit, I now have the power to overcome all sin which before so easily entangled me. Lord Jesus, please
transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to You alone and not to myself.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my life. With my heart, I believe that God the Father raised His Son Jesus from the dead. This very moment I acknowledge that Jesus Christ (Messiah Yeshua) is my Savior and according to His Word, right
now I am born again. Thank You, Jesus,
for coming into my life and hearing my prayer. I ask all of this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

you are missing the point that all is revealed in God's season. You have asked Him to come into your life, now go and live your life and sin no more. Live it according to the will of God.

Pray this prayer:

I've prayed similiar prayers before, but I did pray the one you gave.

Now what? I didn't notice anything. I didn't hear anything, or see/smell/etc anything. I didn't feel any different. This is pretty much what always happened when I prayed when I was a Christian. What am I missing?

sincerity

retardedness